Most players participating in the USTA League want to know about the level of game they must sign up for. USTA utilizes the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) as a guideline for determining competition levels for its league play. This program aims at helping tennis players revel in their game via supplying a method of categorizing skill levels for the following:
– Compatible matches
– League play
– Group lessons
– Tournaments
– Various other programs
The categories for rating are overviews about skill levels. Players may realize that they actually play beyond or under the category that best describes their skill level, according to NTRP. This depends entirely on one’s ability to compete.
Here, it is important to understand that the category you choose is not meant to be forever. There are chances to adjust it according to your skill change or reclassification requirement for your match play. Eventually, the rating is based on results of match.
You need to follow the NTRP guideline while rating yourself. Make sure you put yourself in the higher play level to avoid any disqualification.
If you are a good athlete and all set to spend good amount of time taking lessons and practicing, it is important to be aware that your improvement might be significant enough to exceed the original self-rate level.
The rating however is not a guarantee to qualification in. All players, whether computer rated or self-rated, are subject to ineligibility through Sectional Championships.
Varied Playing Levels – General Characteristics:
1.5 – This player possesses only limited experience. He is also still working mainly on getting the ball into game.
2.0 – A player of this level requires ample on-court experience. He has noticeable stroke weaknesses. However, he’s quite familiar with all basic positions for game (both singles and doubles).
2.5 – A player ranked at this level is actually learning to judge where the ball is heading. He has weak court coverage. The player is capable of sustaining a short rally of slower pace especially with other players possessing similar ability.
3.0 – The player is justly steady when hitting shorts (medium paced). However, he isn’t comfortable with all strokes. A 3.0 player also lacks execution when trying for depth, directional control, or power. Many of the common doubles creation is one-up, one-back.
3.5 – This player has achieved improvement stroke dependability using directional control on moderate shots. However, he still does not have the required variety and depth. The player displays more aggressive net play. He has also developed his court coverage. Presently, he is working at improving teamwork in doubles. For more info on playing level 3.5 and tennis news today, visit www.sportscrunch.in/tennis/.
4.0 – The major characteristics of a player at this level include dependable strokes, such as depth on backhand and forehand sides on moderate shots, directional control, and aptitude to make use of lobs, volleys, overheads, and approach shots with certain amount of success. The player forces errors intermittently while serving. He may lose rallies due to impatience. This player’s teamwork in doubles is quite apparent.
4.5 – Player of 4.5 level has just started to master use of spins and power. He is also starting to handle pace and enjoys all-encompassing footwork. All players of this level can easily take control over depth of shots. They are actually starting to vary game plan on the basis of skill sets of their opponents. A 4.5 player can hit first serves with full power and appreciable accuracy. He will also place the second serve. He can over hit on tougher shots. When it comes to doubles, aggressive net play by these players is a common affair.
5.0 – A player ranked at this level possesses decent shot anticipation. He also has an outstanding shot frequently or attribute around which tennis game might be structured. 5.0 player is capable of hitting winners regularly or even force faults off of short balls. He will also be able to put volleys away and effectively implement overhead smashes, lobs, half volleys, drop shots, etc. This player also possesses respectable depth and spin on most of the 2nd serves.
5.5 – A player of this level has already developed ample power and/or stability as a major weapon. The player may vary in styles and of specific play in a competitive scenario. He also hits dependable shots when trapped in a stressful situation.
6.0 to 7.0 – A player at 6.0 level has gone through intensive training for national tournament competition. He has gone through this training at both junior as well as collegiate levels. This tennis player has also acquired a sectional and/or national ranking. As far as the 7.0 player is concerned, he’s a world-class level player.
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